Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy Anniversary!

three years ago:

{this is my favorite. i'm looking at cody and my dad is looking at my mom.}

{I wanted to walk out to sparklers so badly! Unfortunately, the fire marshall said no. This was my face when I realized my family got a small pack of sparklers to use whenever we walked out. Such a fun memory!}

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Because you may not have been there, here are some things friends said about our wedding:

Tonja,
Truly the most beautiful and spirit filled wedding that I have attended.
Incredible work with incredible results.

Your heart and your love of The Father and of Abby was reflected in the wedding ceremony. Such love that can only be experienced as no words can express the love that was shown and felt in the wedding ceremony.

To see and experience the wedding ceremony gives me new hope and anticipation of the beauty of The Father coming back for His bride/us!!!

Here are a few of my favorite things from Abby’s wedding:

1.You couldn’t see it, but as Abby rounded the corner to come down the center aisle, she just couldn’t stand it. She peaked around the corner with this huge smile on her face trying to catch a glimpse of Cody. Adorable!
2.The salt covenant. What a cool thing!
3.The fact that you played the bridal march.
4. When he straightened her dress. He must be a precious young man with a servant heart to even think about doing that for her.
5.The frame with her journal entry in it. “Dear Lord Baby Jesus, I think I am going to marry Cody Neinast. Oh my gosh!”
6.Watching you watch Steve and Abby dance together.
7. The fact that you had music and decorations in the walk-way to the reception. You always think of everything.

There were so many incredible moments and it was an evening filled with such a wonderful spirit and joy for the Lord. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of it.

Love you friend,
Gwen

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If there is one moment from our wedding that shall never escape my memory, it is of the first steps my dad and I took into the sanctuary. The intensity in the room took my breath away. I truly have never felt such an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. It was as if I stepped into a great fog that instantly surrounded my body. While I never had doubts about marrying Cody, that feeling was such a sweet confirmation of our decision.

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We've experience a lot over our three years. So many silly memories, a couple of graduations, and that little thing called heart surgery. It hasn't all been perfect. We've both messed up a time or too. {Note to self: Cody *really* doesn't like recipes that use mayonnaise.} But we've had more highs than lows, more laughs than tears, and plenty of love to keep us going. We're looking forward to the future with hope and can't wait to see what the next year brings!